Interest Rises In Back-Yard Aquaculture
Options Range From Simple Organic Setups To ComplexAquaponics
Some back-yard systems are rather complex and use a recirculating setup with fliters, aerators and other equipment.
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Summary:
With the downturn in the global economy, many new
culturists are becoming interested in back-yard aquacul­
ture systems. The level of sophistication required varies
widely. Systems can range from simple stand-alone tanks
to setups that require complex filtration, aeration and
monitoring equipment. Aquaponics, the combination of
aquaculture and hydroponics, is also of growing interest.
Aquaculture has always interested hobbyists, and many have
tried small-scale growout of fish in an aquarium, small pond or
tank. Now, with the downturn in the global economy, there seems
to be an increased interest in back-yard aquaculture. Individuals all
)ver the world have demonstrated a renewed attention to growing
:heir own food to supplement their needs. There appears to be a
~reat desire to be self-suffICient, and many are doing so by raising
~lsh on a small scale to provide for individual needs.
global aquaculture advocate
Back-yard aquaculture refers to growout systems that are
larger than home aquariums but less than about 0.4 ha in area.
These systems are usually modeled after larger commercial gro­
wout systems. There is no limit to the variety of designs available
for back-yard systems. They range from something as simple as a
small stand-alone tank to very complex automated systems using
sophisticated water treatment equipment.
,I
System Types, Species
Back-yard aquaculture can be generally classed according to
the water temperature. Coldwater aquaculture requires water
0
temperatures of 10 to 21 C with the optimum temperature
r
betlveen 12 and 1 c. The most popular species of fish grown
in coldwater back-yard systems are trout and salmon.
Warmwater aquaculture requires water temperatures betlveen
18 and 32° C with the optimum temperature betlveen 27 and 30°
C. The most popular species of fish grown in these conditions
are bass, sunfish, catfish, tilapia and carp. Additional species can
be considered in varied parts of the world.
Climatic conditions, geographic location and environmental
factors must be considered when selecting the best species of fish
for back-yard aquaculture. Tilapia, one of the easiest fish species
to raise, is growing in popularity around the globe where climatic
conditions and water temperature are right.
Tilapia can tolerate variable water quality, including fairly
low dissolved-oxygen levels. In addition, tilapia grow relatively
quickly on a low-protein diet and readily breed in captivity. They
are fairly easy to handle and are widely accepted as food fIsh. In
September/October 2009 87

Aquaponics combines aquaculture and hydroponics
for the production of both aquatic animals and plants.
some areas, tilapia are preserved by drying or salting, and may be
smoked or pickled.
System Components
Most back-yard aquaculture projects use recirculating sys­
tems, although other systems have been developed for growout
in cages, raceways and ponds. Some of the more popular water
containment approaches include aquariums, lined and unlined
ponds, barrels, swimming pools, water troughs, and steel or
fiberglass tanks. Water depths are usually about 0.75 to 1.00 m,
although shallower tanks can also be used. -----­
Because fish spend all of their lives in water, it is very impor­
tant to maintain good water quality. If the water is not treated,
very little production may be expected. Aeration and filtration
are required for increased production. Beginners often start with
lower densities of fish and increase production as they gain con­
fidence in their systems and equipment. It is also a good idea to
have emergency back-up systems to insure that aerators and
Aquaponics
An increasingly popular type of back-yard aquaculture is
aquaponics, a combination of aquaculture and hydroponics
for the production of both aquatic animals and plants. In aqua­
ponics, the water is cycled from the fish tank into trays or beds
holding plants. The plants utilize the nutrients in the water, and
the "treated" water is returned again to the fish tank.
Greenhouse aquaponics can be fairly complicated, requiring a
high level of management and equipment. Many of these back­
yard aquaponics systems use a recirculating setup. These systems
include additional equipment like filters or clarifiers to remove
solids, degassing columns, aeration systems and dosing systems
that add chemicals required by the plants.
Some back-yard aquaponics systems are very simple but can
still be very productive. The goal of many of these producers is
organic food production. They desire an efficient system that
uses little power while producing both fish and vegetables to eat.
Because fish are living in the water, aquaponics systems are typi­
cally organic, and no herbicides, insecticides or fungicides are
used.
These systems can combine a variety of plants and fish
depending on location and conditions. Tilapia, trout, catfish or
hybrid striped bass can be grown with vegetables such as tomatoes,
lettuce, cabbage, beans, basil, peppers and cucumbers.
Additional Considerations
Back-yard aquaculture systems require special permits in
some locations. It is the owners' responsibility to become famil­
iar with local and national laws regarding home aquaculture sys­
tems and determine if permits and/or registration are required.
They should consider laws regarding water sources, water use
and wastewater discharge; permits required to hold, produce and
sell fish; and laws regarding the location of back-yard aquacul­
ture facilities.
An increasingly popular type ofback-yard
aquaculture is aquaponics, a combination
of aquaculture and hydroponics

for the production ofboth aquatic

pumps run during blackouts. animals and plants.

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